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Year 9 – Raising Aspirations Workshop Day – January 2011
In January, the Inspiring Futures Foundation ran a special workshop day for groups of Year 9 students from SSLP schools who worked together in mixed teams. As well as raising aspiration through the “Apprentice” style workshops, mentors working in the business world supported and advised the teams throughout the day. The beginning of the day challenged the students to step outside their comfort zone and work with others whom they had never met before.
After a series of ice breakers, the ideas started flowing. Once the team had selected a team name, they were introduced, via various entertaining activities, to their challenge which was to develop and market an innovative new product for the 2012 Olympics. Within each team, the students formed a board of directors responsible for different aspects of the campaign, such as advertising, financial and environmental considerations. They worked together to construct their product, design an advert and plan how to market their product over a 12 month period trying to make the largest profit possible.
In the afternoon each team presented their campaign, complete with props and logos, to the whole group. It was most encouraging to see several students move from being shy and withdrawn to supporting their team and even putting themselves forward as leaders. As well as being enjoyable, the day gave students an opportunity to identify their skills, develop confidence and an awareness of business acumen, and to establish a rapport and new friendships with students from other schools.
The event was hosted by St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School and was well-attended. |